Volume Xi Part 111 (1/2)

ALB. 'Tis wronged Carracus by Albert's baseness: I have no power now to reveal myself.

CAR. The horses stand at the appointed place, And night's dark coverture makes firm our safety.

My friend is surely fall'n into a slumber On some bank hereabouts; I will call him.

Friend Albert, Albert!

ALB. Whate'er you are that call, you know my name.

CAR. Ay, and thy heart, dear friend.

ALB. O Carracus, you are a slow-pac'd lover!

Your credit had been touch'd, had I not been.

CAR. As how, I prythee, Albert?

ALB. Why, I excus'd you to the fair Maria; Who would have thought you else a slack performer.

For coming first under her chamber-window, She heard me tread, and call'd upon your name; To which I answer'd with a tongue like yours, And told her I would go to seek for Albert, And straight return.

CAR. Whom I have found; thanks to thy faith and heav'n.

But had not she a light when you came first?

ALB. Yes, but hearing of some company, She at my warning was forc'd to put it out.

And had I been so too, you and I too Had still been happy. [_Aside._

CAR. See, we are now come to the chamber-window.

ALB. Then you must call, for so I said I would.

CAR. Maria.

MARIA. My Carracus, are you so soon return'd?

I see you'll keep your promise.

CAR. Who would not do so, having pa.s.s'd it thee, Cannot be fram'd of aught but treachery: Fairest, descend, that by our hence departing We may make firm the bliss of our content.

MARIA. Is your friend Albert with you?

ALB. Yes, and your servant, honoured lady.

MARIA. Hold me from falling, Carracus. [_She descends._

CAR. I will do now so, but not at other times.

MARIA. You are merry, sir: But what d' y' intend with this your scaling-ladder, To leave it thus, or put it forth of sight?

CAR. Faith, 'tis no great matter which: Yet we will take it hence, that it may breed Many confus'd opinions in the house Of your escape. Here, Albert, you shall bear it; It may be you may chance to practise that way; Which when you do, may your attempts so prove, As mine have done--most fortunate in love.

ALB. May you continue ever so!

But it's time now to make some haste to horse; Night soon will vanish. O, that it had power For ever to exclude day from our eyes, For my looks, then, will show my villany. [_Aside._